Does anyone collect coins used in early America? I'm talking about the British, French, Irish, etc coins that were used in early America. I think that I need a British halfpenny in my collection because, as I understand it, that was one of the most common coins. There's a story behind it and they're affordable... my two coin requirements, lol. I'm still early in my education on this period so if anyone has some links or tips, I'd appreciate them. Of course, pictures would be welcomed too! Thanks, CT
It's a secondary focus, but I acquire one occasionally. If you want to see some nice ones go here: http://www.cointalk.com/threads/show-off-your-colonials.240838/
I used to collect Spanish colonial coins, they were among the most commonly used coins here before, and for 50 years after, the US became a country. You can see some of the ones I used to own by going to the Album page - http://www.cointalk.com/forums/albums-cointalk.69/ - and then clicking on the Search and putting my name in the Posted By Member box, then hit your Enter key on your keyboard.
Most people do not realize it, but the Red Book has a section on coins from this era that circulated in America. It is not exhaustive, but is a nice beginning.
I have the Red Book and am reading it. It is certainly incomplete, but how is it inaccurate? This site seems to have a decent reference on coins that circulated in the colonies: http://www.coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/
Zesty, If you do not have it yet, get Todd cooks book" The lost coins of early americans". Many of the coins listed in the book can be had for $10-$50. suninjune
YES YES YES!!!!! That's the website you should be looking at. As for the Red Book, some of the rare types have suspicious origins in the mid eighteen hundreds.
I personally collect American coins both us mint and earlier privately minted but I will say as an antique dealer of many years in coastal New England it is very interesting the 18th c English Spanish and occasionally Dutch and Portuguese coins that appear from old Maine nh and mass houses and estates and these were coins primarily from early shipping and mercantile family's and they weren't often sold off 80 years ago as they had minimal value compared to the early us colonials which are long gone
What I was trying to say is I see 18th c foreign coins saved in 18th c New England houses where they were saved as regular currency
Right. A lot of people seem to focus on coins minted in the US. From what I've been reading, foreign coins were actually more common. Great information in this thread. Thanks so much everyone!
